BA Classics
About this course
BA (Hons) Classics is a degree centred on the languages, history and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. The course offers two language pathways from the first year: one combining a single ancient language with optional non-language modules, and one devoted to both Latin and Greek. No prior study of Greek or Latin is required, and the final year includes a compulsory dissertation. The first year introduces Roman history, culture and Latin literature through Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus, alongside ancient Greek history, society and thought in Introduction to the Greek World. Students then follow one of two compulsory language pathways: Pathway 1 combines 40 credits of Latin or Greek with 40 credits of optional non-language modules such as Craft of the Ancient Historian, Language, Translation, Interpretation and Lives of Objects – Greek and Roman Antiquity, while Pathway 2 comprises 80 credits of language teaching in both Latin and Greek. The second year centres on Greek and Roman epic through Traditions of Epic, with compulsory language teaching at the appropriate level; optional modules span areas such as City of Athens, Comedy and Tragedy, Laughter and Sorrow and Emperors and Dynasties. The final year pairs compulsory language teaching with a dissertation, in which students research and analyse a topic in depth, and optional modules such as Happiness in Ancient Philosophy, Pompeii and Herculaneum: Rediscovery and Reconstruction, Roman Syria and Urbs Roma.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA IB: 36 with 666 in higher level subjects.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for BA Classics (Q801) at Durham University for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAA at A level.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 62%: 180 offers from 290 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Finance Professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 47%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 6%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus
- Introduction to the Greek World
- Language Teaching in Greek and/or Latin (80 credits) - choose one of the following two pathways:
- EITHER Pathway 1
- OR Pathway 2
- Example optional modules
- Traditions of Epic
- Language Teaching in Greek and/or Latin
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Language Teaching in Greek and/or Latin
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Classics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £40,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £55,000. The £40,500 median after five years is £9,000 more than the UK median for Classics.
What do graduates of BA Classics at Durham University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Classics at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Classics at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Classics at Durham University?
62% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 180 offers from 290 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Classics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Classics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.